On June 24, 2020, at approximately 11:10 am, Lac du Bonnet RCMP received a report of a boating collision, that occurred earlier that morning, on Nutimik Lake in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Officers spoke with the 64-year-old male, from Winnipeg, who advised he was anchored and fishing, with his 85-year-old mother on board, when he observed another boat approaching them at a high rate of speed. This boat, being operated by a 39-year-old male from Elie with two passengers, a 73-year-old male and 68-year-old female, both from Winnipeg, struck the other boat at a 90° angle and launched over it before coming to a stop a short distance away.
Both boats were able to make it to shore where the 85-year-old was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported.
"Operators and occupants of a vessel are reminded that everyone must keep a constant watch to avoid a collision," said S/Sgt. Robert Chabot, RCMP Inland Water Transport Coordinator. "Vessel operators who do not keep a proper watch may face criminal charges and/or fines."
Alcohol is not a factor in the collision.
Lac du Bonnet RCMP along with RCMP marine specialist continue to investigate.